Why do they hide it? Because then they can't use us as a stopgap!
This is one of the first questions I ask applicants, whether they are planning on going to a centre later. If they are honest with me at least I can decide whether to accept them as a temporary client.

I used another provider's idea of having an enrollment fee instead of a deposit, and it applies to the last 2 weeks of care so long as the family has been in care for one year.

This has worked well in stopgap families enrolling with me. However I still had a family that left after one month - gave notice after 2 weeks being with me because their waiting list spot opened up. Took it upon herself to apply the enrollment fees for her final two weeks She misunderstood my policies.

Just as families do what's best for them, you must do what's best for YOU too. Ask those questions before deciding to enroll a family.